Karen Francis, a key architect of General Motors Corp.’s campaign to reinvigorate its vehicle brands, is leaving the automaker for an Internet marketing post.
Francis, 38, is stepping down as marketing general manager of Oldsmobile to become chief marketing officer and managing director of Internet Capital Group, an electronic business-to-business company based in Pennsylvania.
Go deeper with GlobalData
She will be based in San Francisco. With close ties to outgoing GM director John Smale and North American chief Ronald Zarrella, her departure is a setback for GM’s ongoing efforts to reposition its brands and rebuild its slumping U.S. market share.
“It’s a disappointment. Karen carries a high amount of credibility with senior GM management,” said David Fischer, a GM dealer in Troy. “She navigated the GM fortress quickly and brought a positive new light to a changing brand.”
Francis, one of three females heading GM car divisions, joined GM in 1996 as part of a high-profile class of outsiders hired to revitalize its car and truck lineup.
After launching the new Chevrolet Venture minivan in 1996 with the motto “Let’s go!,” Francis moved on to run Chevrolet’s 11-state Rocky Mountain sales region.
How well do you really know your competitors?
Access the most comprehensive Company Profiles on the market, powered by GlobalData. Save hours of research. Gain competitive edge.
Thank you!
Your download email will arrive shortly
Not ready to buy yet? Download a free sample
We are confident about the unique quality of our Company Profiles. However, we want you to make the most beneficial decision for your business, so we offer a free sample that you can download by submitting the below form
By GlobalDataIn January 1996, she became marketing general manager of Oldsmobile, GM’s oldest division. Seeking younger buyers, the division shed its venerable lineup of boxy family sedans and wagons in favor of slicker sedans and coupes. The average age of a new Oldsmobile buyer has dropped from 62 to 49.
